The new 49,000-square-foot, state-of-the art center is named in honor of the late Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr., a longtime legislator and a Florida Commissioner of Education. Jamerson, a graduate of St. Petersburg College, was one of the most prominent politicians in the state of Florida and a fierce advocate for education. He passed away in 2001.

SPC Trustee Deveron M. Gibbons spoke of how Jamerson mentored him over the years, recalling that he still carries with him Jamerson’s advice: “It’s not how powerful you can become – it’s how many people you can empower.”

Jamerson’s family received a standing ovation from the packed audience.

Rev. Murphy, who gave the invocation, said the new center brings “hope” and “opportunity” to the community.

Niki Johnson, Vice President of the Midtown Center Student Government Association (SGA) and Alexis Clavizzao, President of the Downtown SGA, shared with the crowd their joy over the new center and how they believed it would have a profound impact on the community.

“I encourage everyone today to take advantage of the opportunities available to you and spread the name of SPC across the world,” Clavizzao said.

The event included presentations by prominent local officials and community activists, and a block party. Attendees toured the facility, built by locally owned LEMA Construction, and were able to take advantage of a slate of college services, such as academic and career advising, and assistance with registration and financial aid. The event – which was sponsored by Duke Energy and supported by LEMA Construction – also included complimentary lunch, multiple vendors, a “Kids Zone,” and live entertainment.

Guest speakers included:

Rick Kriseman, Mayor, City of St. Petersburg

Alex Glenn, President, Duke Energy, Florida

Trustee Gibbons

President Law, Jr.

SGA leaders Johnson and Clavizzao

Kevin Gordon, Provost, Midtown Center, St. Petersburg College

The Rev. Thompson, The Rev. Murphy and The Rev. Williams

Alex Glenn, President, Duke Energy, Florida

Multiple other civic and community leaders were in attendance, including but not limited to: St. Petersburg Council Members Wengay Newton and Karl Nurse; Pinellas County Commissioners Kenneth T. Welch and Pat Gerard; St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway; Theresa “Momma Tee” Lassiter; and former St. Petersburg Mayor Bob Ulrich.

The new center includes graphic art installations that tell the story of the rich history of Midtown, and 22nd Street – affectionately nicknamed “The Deuces.” Community members walked the halls and shared their memories of eating at Geech’s BBQ, working at the old Mercy Hospital, and dancing nights away at the old Manhattan Casino.

St. Petersburg College has long been dedicated to providing educational opportunities in Midtown. The original 10,000-square-foot Midtown Center at 1048 22nd St. So., opened in 2003 as part of a $2 million St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s HOPE VI project. It has been renamed the Cecil B. Keene, Sr. Student Achievement Center, in honor of the late educator and SPC Board of Trustees member, who died in 2008.

In 2012, as demand for classes and community involvement grew, SPC’s Board of Trustees approved a $14 million expenditure to build the new three-story building on land leased from the City of St. Petersburg. The new center includes multiple classrooms, two science labs, three computer labs, a book store, a community room, and a career center.

The center is already being used by students and the community, and is open for classes for the Fall 2015 term, which begins Aug. 17.

St. Petersburg College will host a ribbon cutting and block party to celebrate the grand opening of the new Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Midtown Center beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, at the center at 1300 22nd St. S. The event is free and open to the public.

The new 45,000-square-foot, state-of-the art center will serve as the college’s flagship campus and community center for south St. Petersburg and will open for classes for the Fall 2015 term, which begins Aug. 17. The new campus is named in honor of the late Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr., a longtime legislator and a Florida Commissioner of Education. Jamerson, a graduate of St. Petersburg College, was one of the most prominent politicians in the state of Florida and a fierce advocate for education.

The event will include a grand opening ceremony, with presentations by prominent local officials and community activists, and a daylong block party, with:

Tours of the new facility

Live entertainment, including performances by the Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Choir, the Lakewood High School Jazz Band and Saxophonist Shawn Brown

Free barbeque and refreshments

A “Kids Zone” sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department

An appearance by Raymond, the mascot of the Tampa Bay Rays

Full registration services

Free vouchers for SPC’s “Learn to Earn” career development courses

Complimentary career and academic advising

Assistance with financial aid services

Roughly three dozen vendors and community organizations

The college application fee will be waived during the event, a $40 savings.

Guest speakers will include:

Rick Kriseman, Mayor, City of St. Petersburg

Alex Glenn, President, Duke Energy, Florida

William D. Law, Jr., President, St. Petersburg College

Kevin Gordon, Provost, Midtown Center, St. Petersburg College

Niki Johnson, Vice President of the Midtown Center Student Government Association

Alexis Clavizzao, President of the Downtown Center Student Government Association

In honor of their outstanding service to the community, St. Petersburg College will award six honorary Bachelor of Arts in College and Community Services degrees to distinguished members of the community during the grand opening event.

St. Petersburg College has long been dedicated to providing educational opportunities in Midtown. The original 10,000-square-foot Midtown Center at 1048 22nd St. So., opened in 2003 as part of a $2 million St. Petersburg Housing Authority’s HOPE VI project. It has been renamed the Cecil B. Keene, Sr. Student Achievement Center, in honor of the late educator and SPC Board of Trustees member, who died in 2008.

In 2012, as demand for classes and community involvement grew, SPC’s Board of Trustees approved a $14 million expenditure to build the new three-story building on land leased from the City of St. Petersburg. The new center includes multiple classrooms, two science labs, three computer labs, a book store, a community room, and a career center.

Beginning this fall, programs will be offered in:

Advanced Manufacturing (Certificate)

Clinical Medical Assisting (Certificate)

Computer Support CompTIA A+ (Certificate)

Early Childhood Education (Certificate)

Entrepreneurship (Associate in Science & Certificate)

Human Services (Associate in Science & Certificate)

Associate in Arts transfer degree

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/27/grand-opening-of-st-petersburg-colleges-new-spc-midtown-center-on-aug-1/feed/0newsspc001 SPC MIDTOWN CENTER DaySPC celebrates 128th Commencementhttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/summer-2015-graduation/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/summer-2015-graduation/#commentsSat, 25 Jul 2015 15:27:30 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6743]]>More than 400 graduates of St. Petersburg College crossed the stage during the 128th Commencement Ceremony at Indian Rocks Baptist Church on Saturday, July 25.

A total of 1,085 students earned 1,234 degrees this term, SPC President Bill Law told the crowd of graduates and well-wishers.

“You inspire us with your determination, and we celebrate your accomplishments,” Law said.

Graduates ranged in age from 17 to 72, with 12 graduates over the age of 60.

Gant was awarded the 2014 Student Life and Leadership Award for his work with SPC’s Men Achieving Excellence (MAX) Club and his numerous volunteer efforts. He was also active in Student Government and Phi Theta Kappa and was recently hired as the Outreach Specialist for SPC’s Downtown and Midtown centers.

Gant said he got his second chance at success by attending St. Petersburg College. Once a high school dropout, he graduated Saturday with a 3.9 grade point average and now plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree – at SPC.

“I want you to remember – I was a high school dropout with no plan. I could have gone the wrong way,” Gant said. “However, the team at SPC has helped me understand what Dr. Martin Luther King said: ‘Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.'”

Michael Nash, Bachelor of Applied Science, Technology Development and Management

Nash worked in the Learning Support Centers at the Tarpon Springs and Clearwater campuses and was hired as a full-time employee by Library Services in 2014. His perseverance in his work with other students and his studies and his commitment to care for his family during challenging times make him a model for others.

Nash acknowledged that many graduates, himself included, had to overcome obstacles to earn their college degree.

“You’re here because you were willing to sacrifice all that you were – for what you wanted to become,” Nash said.

President Law thanked the faculty, staff and administrators, as well as the families and friends who helped the graduates achieve their goal.

He also showed his appreciation to the students, who are the heart and soul of SPC.

“Graduates, thank you for choosing this college.” Law said. “We were privileged to serve you.”

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/25/summer-2015-graduation/feed/0newsspcGraduation speakersSummer graduation marks 128th commencement on July 25https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/21/summer-graduation-marks-128th-commencement-on-july-25/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/21/summer-graduation-marks-128th-commencement-on-july-25/#commentsTue, 21 Jul 2015 11:15:19 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6733]]>St. Petersburg College will celebrate its 128th commencement ceremony at Saturday, July 25. About 440 of the 1,085 Summer 2015 graduates are expected to participate in the 10 a.m. event that will be held at the First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo.

The ceremony is expected to last about an hour. Ernest Gant and Michael Nash will address their fellow graduates and graduation guests.

Ernest Gant, Associate in Arts, BusinessErnest Gant was awarded the 2014 Student Life and Leadership Award for his work with SPC’s Men Achieving Excellence (MAX) Club and his numerous volunteer efforts. He was also active in Student Government and Phi Theta Kappa and was recently hired as the Outreach Specialist for SPC’s Downtown and Midtown campuses.

“Ernest studies hard to maintain his high grade point average, all while participating in various leaderships roles,” said Keron Jean-Baptiste, Associate Provost of SPC’s St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus. “He volunteers as a tutor and mentored young students at the local Boys and Girls Club. He has also volunteered for the Edible Peace Patch, Habitat for Humanity and the Relay for Life.”

Michael Nash, Bachelor of Applied Science, Technology Development and ManagementMichael Nash worked in the Learning Support Centers on Tarpon Springs and Clearwater Campus and was hired fulltime by Library Services in 2014.

His perseverance in his work with other students and his studies and his commitment to care for his family during challenging times make him a model for others.

“His work in the Learning Support Commons and his overwhelming dedication to SPC student success has been remarkable,” said Sharon Setterlind, Dean of SPC’s College of Computer and Information Technology. “Time after time he has assisted students in out-of-classroom support in the technology field where the subject matter has been in many cases difficult for students to learn.”

Connect with our graduatesUse our social media images to share your well wishes and be sure to use #spcgrad to tweet your congratulations so it shows up on our social Tagboard and on the display in the auditorium the day of the big event.

SPC President Bill Law welcomed the students, who attended with family members and friends.

“We couldn’t be prouder of you,” Law said.

The annual scholarship – one of the college’s most comprehensive – honors the legacy of Dr. Johnnie Ruth Clarke, an educator and humanitarian who spent her life improving the lives of others. Clarke taught in Pinellas County public schools, Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University. She served as Dean of Gibbs Junior College serving African-American students in the 1950s. When Gibbs became part of St. Petersburg Junior College in the 60s, she became Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs.

The award covers tuition for 12 credit hours per term for two consecutive years. It is offered to disadvantaged and/or other underrepresented Pinellas County high school students with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Destinee Bullard, a spring 2015 SPC graduate and 2013 Clarke Scholar who is headed to the University of Florida this fall, spoke to the students about the importance of getting involved in the activities and organizations the college has to offer and seeking out help from tutors and professors should they need it.

Bullard talked about how much she has grown, personally, at St. Petersburg College.

“SPC has become home to me…The faculty and staff at SPC are amazing,” Bullard said.

She encouraged the new Scholars to use all of the resources the college provides, from free tutoring to academic and career advising.

And she challenged them to challenge themselves: “Do something that scares you, because something great will come out of it,” she said.

The evening included musical selections by Joy Gann, who was accompanied on piano by Geoffrey Nugent. The event also included the presentation to the honorees, and a reception with refreshments. The Master of Ceremony was Darryl Henderson, Senior Administrative Services Specialist, and closing remarks were given by Dr. Albert Farr, President of the Dr. Johnnie Ruth Clarke Chapter of the National Council on Black American Affairs.

This year, 65 students were selected as SPC 2015 Presidential Scholars. They will receive a total of more than $460,000 in tuition scholarship awards.

“Our purpose tonight is to recognize you, the students, and your accomplishments,” said SPC President Bill Law.

The Scholars and their family members were treated to a speech by Amy Bhatt, who graduated with her Associate in Art degree in May. Bhatt talked about the importance of joining clubs and organizations, and working to get published, while attending SPC. She explained how important it was to expand their world through networking and reaching out for support to help them reach their goals.

The attendees also heard from Bill McCloud, Chairman of the SPC Foundation Board of Directors. McCloud is an alumni of the Gibbs Junior College – the county’s black junior college – which merged with St. Petersburg Junior College in the 1960s.

“We’re very proud of you and commend you for your outstanding efforts,” McCloud said.

This year’s Scholars had an average weighted GPA of 4.29, an average SAT score for Reading and Math of 1102 and an average ACT score of 25.

SPC’s Presidential Scholarship provides full tuition for 60 credit hours of study at St. Petersburg College. As Presidential Scholars, this select group of students is invited to join the President’s Scholars Counsel and will meet with President Law during their enrollment to gain an inside look at college operations and activities and share their perspectives on student affairs.

Presidential Scholarship recipients are selected annually based on merit and test scores.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/17/special-evening-for-presidential-scholarship-recipients/feed/0newsspcHalle Kozlowski-Coward, from East Lake High School senior poses with SPC President Dr. Bill Law during Tuesday's ceremony.SPC alumni awarded prestigious research fellowshiphttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/spc-alumni-awarded-research-fellowship/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/spc-alumni-awarded-research-fellowship/#commentsThu, 16 Jul 2015 19:00:30 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6715]]>

SPC Alumni Amy Rice

St. Petersburg Collegiate High School alumni Amy Rice was recently awarded the prestigious Pritzker Research Fellowship in the Ph.D. program in Physics at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago.

The Fellowship pays tuition, stipend and research funds totaling more than $200,000 over the four-year term of the award.

After earning her A.A. degree from St. Petersburg College in 2009, Rice transferred to IIT. Last year, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics.

“Biology was my first love,” said Rice. “It’s what got me interested in science in the first place.”

Looking back to her time at SPC, she remembers loving her anatomy and physiology class.

“The professor had a way of making the class incredibly interesting and bringing in his outside knowledge to make it more real to us,” she said.

Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Rice was homeschooled through eighth grade. In ninth grade she attended Veritas Academy and transferred to SPC’s Collegiate High School for grades 10-12.

“I have always been very motivated academically,” she said. “I thought it (Collegiate High School) would be a great program to be around others that took their education seriously.”

Like many Florida students, her plans were to stay in Florida and take advantage of the Bright Futures Scholarship she had earned. Her high SAT scores meant she was pursued by numerous colleges from around the country. A brochure from IIT caught her eye.

“I saw that they had a major in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics and I thought that sounded like an awesome major,” she said. “It sounded like it would be very interdisciplinary.”

She applied for and got a full tuition scholarship and started her bachelor’s degree in the Chicago-based university the next fall.

During her undergraduate studies at IIT, she worked as a teaching assistant in biology and physics and a research assistant in microbiology and physics. She was involved in Alpha Sigma Alpha, the Honors Medical Society and competed on the university’s cross country and track teams. She was awarded the College of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Stipend in 2011 and 2013.

Entering the second year of her Ph.D., Rice’s research is focused on Computational Biophysics and is primarily computer based. While she has experimental collaborators that she works with, her research does not happen in a traditional laboratory.

“My project specifically is looking at a class of antimicrobial peptides produced by most animals,” she explained. “It is thought that bacteria don’t really become resistant to them. Not a lot is known currently as to why they work so well, but are not harmful to human cells.”

In Computational Biophysics computerized simulations are used to enable researchers like Rice to explore actions and reactions that happen within cells in very short time frames – nanoseconds – and very short distances.

“It’s hard from the experimental side to figure out what is happening on such small time and distance scales,” she said.

She is currently working with a team of researchers led by Dr. Jeff Wereszczynski at IIT. The Wereszczynski Group also includes two postdoctoral researchers and another Ph.D. student. This summer the group also has three undergraduate research assistants, two from a local community college. Rice is in charge of one of the assistants.

“I’m very excited to have an undergraduate student assistant!” said Rice. “I’ve been the undergraduate assistant to graduate students twice before, so it is really interesting and rewarding for me to be on the other side of that now and help mentor someone.”

Rice plans to continue her career in the same general field of research by teaching, working with graduate students and doing research.

“I love computational work,” she said. “It is a big up and coming field – new in the last 20-30 years. It’s exciting for me to think about where it will be in future when computers are even more powerful,” she said.

Her advice to other students is practical:

“Don’t be afraid to take risks and don’t be afraid to fail,” said Rice. “In science you fail a lot. I’ve had to start my research project over nine times now. The first eight times I failed. If you are not failing, you are not at the cutting edge of your field.”

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/spc-alumni-awarded-research-fellowship/feed/0newsspcSPC Alumni Amy RiceSPC’s Collegiate High School ranked #1 public high school in Tampa Bayhttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/08/spcs-collegiate-high-school-ranked-1-public-high-school-in-tampa-bay/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/07/08/spcs-collegiate-high-school-ranked-1-public-high-school-in-tampa-bay/#commentsWed, 08 Jul 2015 16:03:07 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6712]]>St. Petersburg Collegiate High School was in the spotlight again this week ranking #1 in the 2015 Niche Rankings for Best Public High School in the Tampa Bay Metro area and the top charter school in the state.

Niche’s Best High Schools ranks more than 14,000 schools nationwide based on academics, health and safety, diversity, survey responses, teachers grade and resources and facilities.

SPC’s Collegiate High school was compared with 65 public high schools in Tampa Bay. They were also ranked as the #16 charter school in the nation.

Starla Metz, Principal, St. Petersburg Collegiate High School

“I am thrilled with the results of this survey because it affirms our mission to provide an exceptional experience for young adults that encompasses all the benefits of college and high school,” said Starla Metz, Principal, St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. “I am also thankful for the support of St. Petersburg College faculty and staff as they share in this accomplishment.”

Keron Jean-Baptiste has been named Associate Provost of SPC’s St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

Jean-Baptiste joined St. Petersburg College in 1999. He has worked in student services for fifteen years. During his tenure, he has served as an Academic Advisor on the Seminole, Midtown, and St. Petersburg/Gibbs campuses. He has also served as a Coordinator of the Information Technology Readiness Academy, College Recruiter, Site Coordinator at Midtown, Senior Staff Assistant in testing, and Student Support Advisor on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

For the past year, he has served as the Interim Associate Provost on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus and has been actively engaged in several strategic projects within the College Experience, including development of the new comprehensive advising model.

A former St. Petersburg Jr. College student, Jean-Baptiste earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from National Louis University, holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and is currently a Doctoral candidate at Nova Southeastern University.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/30/new-associate-provost-named-spc/feed/1newsspcKeron Jean-BaptisteCareers for women in manufacturing on the risehttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/29/careers-for-women-in-manufacturing-on-the-rise/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/29/careers-for-women-in-manufacturing-on-the-rise/#commentsMon, 29 Jun 2015 13:03:21 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6701]]>The Florida TRADE Consortium and the Manufacturers Association of Florida Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence (MAF CAME) have joined forces to promote opportunities for women in manufacturing. The Manufacturing Experience: A Woman’s Perspective, was held on June 4, in Orlando. Key female executives and leaders in Florida manufacturing participated in a discussion on key issues for women in the manufacturing industry. Watch the event on YouTube.

Key female executives and leaders in Florida manufacturing participated in a discussion on issues for women in the manufacturing industry at the June 4 event – The Manufacturing Experience: A Woman’s Perspective.

“We always look for ways to improve our industry, promote manufacturing and introduce new career opportunities to our communities,” said Amanda Bowen, MAF CAME. “Along with the Florida TRADE Consortium, we decided to highlight exceptional women in the Florida manufacturing field at the June STEM Forum. The panel was nothing short of inspirational. Women of different backgrounds, cultures, generations and education engaged in an interactive dialogue to reach out and connect with other women.”

Jessica Glover, a manufacturer with Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, sat on the panel. “Participating on the women in manufacturing panel at the STEM Forum was so much fun. We laughed, shared stories and brought a wide variety of backgrounds to a great discussion! Hopefully it will open young minds up to all the possibilities available in manufacturing, educate them on how to get there and break through some stereotypes.”

“These ladies rocked the house!” said Dr. Gary Graham, Director of the Florida TRADE Consortium. “They were engaging, very interesting and were the highlight of the STEM Forum. It was great to partner with the MAF Center to make this event happen. Our hope is that teachers, counselors and women of all ages use this video to learn about the careers and opportunities that are available in the manufacturing industry.”

“Approximately 75 percent of the current manufacturing industry is male,” said Bowen. “This is 2015. It’s time to break the mentality that manufacturing is ‘dark, dirty and dangerous’ and let everyone know it’s okay to follow your passion – even if that passion leads you down a road of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Manufacturing careers are on the rise; with advances in technology, there is no end in sight for the opportunities in Florida’s future. Women have every right to be a part of this movement. We want girls in middle and high school to understand what manufacturing is and to take advantage of the trainings the TRADE Consortium has to offer. This industry is something to be proud of. It’s a place to grow personally and professionally. It’s a place where a passion can turn into a career, and as one of our panelists stated — ‘it’s lucrative!’”

At St. Petersburg College’s Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, June 16, officials from SPC and the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County announced a new partnership to strengthen training for early childcare professionals and better prepare young learners.

Officials with SPC’s College of Education and the SPC Foundation worked with the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) to develop the partnership, in which JWB is providing $54,000 to fund 30 scholarships for students to earn certificates through the college’s Early Childhood Education program. The intent is to improve school readiness rates and close achievement gaps by preparing local childcare workers to provide high quality early childhood education.

“This is an excellent opportunity and excellent demonstration of partnerships that we have going,” said Dr. Marcie Biddleman, Executive Director, Juvenile Welfare Board. “It’s special because it’s St Petersburg College. We have a lot of children in our early learning programs, and they will not get to St Petersburg College for their education if we can’t get them started right. Hopefully this will be a continuation of educated citizens that will make a difference here in Pinellas County.”

Scholarships will be available for childcare workers currently working 20 hours or more in licensed early childcare centers (residential or commercial) in Pinellas County (as identified by JWB). The scholarships will fund up to 12 credit hours for classes taken on the Clearwater Campus, to prepare the students toward a certificate in early childcare development, with specializations in Infants and Toddlers or Preschool. Both 12-hour certificates can be counted toward SPC’s Early Childhood Education A.S. degree.

“The benefits and the value of this partnership will extend far beyond the student recipients, as they go back to their workplace and better prepare our earliest learners,” said Frances Neu, Executive Director, SPC Foundation. “Then we’ll see the real benefits,” she said.

Former SPC Associate Provost Maria Edmonds, who now chairs the Juvenile Welfare Board, called the agreement her dream.

“It is my pleasure that we have this collaboration,” Edmonds said. “We need more of these partnerships in our community. One individual or one organization alone cannot do it, but together we can do a lot.”

Shown in conjunction with the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art exhibit, Henry and Abe: Finding America, the event will be held on the Tarpon Springs Campus in the Challenge of Modern Art Interactive Gallery. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the film screening begins at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Please note, this film has an NC-17 rating and no one 17 and under will be admitted.

For more information about the event, call 727-341-4732.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/15/spc-international-film-series-presents-henry-june/feed/0newsspcInternational Film Festival: Henry & JuneSt. Petersburg College Presidential Scholarship Award winners will receive total of $455,000https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/09/st-petersburg-college-presidential-scholarship-award-winners-will-receive-total-of-455000/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/09/st-petersburg-college-presidential-scholarship-award-winners-will-receive-total-of-455000/#commentsTue, 09 Jun 2015 20:04:10 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6679]]>Recipients of St. Petersburg College’s Presidential Scholarship represent some of the best and brightest high school seniors in Pinellas County. This year, 64 students were selected as SPC 2015 Presidential Scholars and will receive a total of $455,000 in tuition scholarship awards.

The group had an average weighted GPA of 4.29, an average SAT score for Reading and Math of 1102 and an average ACT score of 25.

“These are some of the most exceptional students in Pinellas County and we are thrilled they have chosen to attend St. Petersburg College,” said SPC President Bill Law.

Presidential Scholarship Award winners from 2014-15 are honored at the St. Petersburg College Seminole Campus.

SPC’s Presidential Scholarship provides full tuition for 60 credit hours of study at St. Petersburg College. As Presidential Scholars, this select group of students is invited to join the President’s Scholars Counsel and will meet with President Law during their enrollment to gain an inside look at college operations and activities and share their perspectives on student affairs.

Presidential Scholarship recipients are selected annually based on merit and test scores. The program is open to Pinellas County residents who meet the following criteria:

High school seniors attending a school in Pinellas County and anticipating a May graduation with a standard high school diploma

Florida resident

U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien or Dream Act eligible

Anticipate a weighted cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 at the end of the seventh semester of high school

Have taken the ACT/SAT Exams

Until last year, the Presidential Scholarship covered up to 15 credit hours per term for one year following high school graduation. The expanded credit hours covered under the new requirements are intended to help students complete a program of study, whether an associate degree for high school seniors or a bachelor’s degree for those who have already earned an associate through dual enrollment or Early College programs.

“St. Petersburg College offers a quality education that prepares students for personal and professional success, so we want to be their first choice,” said Frances Neu, Vice President for Institutional Advancement & Executive Director of the St. Petersburg College Foundation. “We want to be part of the conversation and in front of students as they are making their decisions about college. We are the most prudent choice there is.”

Since 2004, SPC has awarded more than $3.1 million in Presidential Scholarships. This cohort’s awards total $455,000.

Students apply for the Presidential Scholarship during the fall of their senior year in high school and have until January to submit an application.

After 31 years at SPC, Karen Kaufman White, Provost of the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus is retiring in July.

“I’ve had the good fortune to know Karen White since her first days at “SPJC.” She has always been a patient and focused educator, working on behalf of students and faculty, ready to take on new challenges,” said SPC President Dr. William Law. “Her early work to design and launch the Ethics Program at the College has proven to be a mark of distinction for all of us. Her work to lead our St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus as a provost at the end of her career has similarly been a beacon of service and support for our students. We wish her well in the next phase of her life.”

Initially a high-school English teacher and later a civil trial lawyer, White joined SPC in 1984 as Dean of Open Campus, managing what was then the college’s largest campus. During that time she supervised the successful launch of the Applied Ethics Program, including a required course for all degree-seeking students, the first program of its kind in the U.S. Later, she was Instructor-in-charge of the Applied Ethics Department and an adjunct Applied Ethics Instructor.

“Every SPC graduate takes with them a gift from Dr. White in the skills that they learn in PHI 1600 Applied Ethics,” said Susan Demers, SPC Dean of Public Policy and Legal Studies. “Her hard work in crafting the original Applied Ethics course and the legacy of her leadership are the backbone of our department. Her passion for justice, attention to detail, and generous spirit make her the living exemplar of critical thinking applied to life. We will miss her and wish her the best but I hope she knows where home is!”

In 1999 she became the Coordinator for Project Eagle I, a large federal grant aimed at building a national model for increasing access to four-year degrees and workforce training for community college students.

She also served as Special Assistant to the President and Dean of International Programs prior to accepting the position of provost in 2008.

“One could not have scripted a professional journey that would bring more joy and satisfaction than the career that unfolded for me at St. Petersburg College,” said White. “I am forever grateful for the privilege of learning from and working with such wonderful colleagues in serving our community and helping our students succeed.”

Jamelle Conner has been named Provost of the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/08/st-petersburg-college-provost-karen-kaufman-white-retires-after-31-years/feed/0newsspcKaren Kaufman WhiteForum on Cuban trade set for June 30 at Poynter Institutehttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/04/forum-on-cuban-trade-set-for-june-30/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/04/forum-on-cuban-trade-set-for-june-30/#commentsThu, 04 Jun 2015 21:10:39 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6670]]>With the recent move by President Obama to normalize relations with Cuba, a door to economic opportunity has been opened to Tampa Bay business, cultural and educational interests. The Obama initiative has been praised by those who feel the embargo has been ineffective in advancing human rights for Cubans and, after 50 years, it’s time to try a new strategy. But others oppose any relaxation of the embargo until the Cuban government commits to human rights reform.

The implications of this policy will be debated by a panel of prominent local leaders at a forum sponsored by the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College and the Global Action Coalition. The forum, titled Cuba: Embargo or Not?, will be from 6-8 p.m. June 30 at the Poynter Institute, 801 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. Admission is free, but advance registration is requested.

Debating the pros and cons of easing the trade embargo will be:

Janet Long, Pinellas County Commissioner who led a local delegation on a good-will visit to Cuba last fall

Relaxing of the trade embargo offers a special opportunity for the Tampa Bay region, which has a rich history of relations with Cuba as well as airports and deep-water ports capable of handling increased trade with the island nation. Miami, which might be considered the natural hub for such commerce, is home to 850,000 Cuban exiles, many of whom strongly oppose easing of the embargo until political prisoners are released from Cuban jails and reparations for confiscated property are made.

For further information, call 727-394-6942.

The Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College is a resource for academic enrichment, a non-partisan venue for civil, objective debate of topical public issues, and a center to promote better government. Its mission is to support a broad array of research, training, educational and policy analysis and support activities at the local, state, regional and national levels.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/04/forum-on-cuban-trade-set-for-june-30/feed/0newsspcSPC alumni rank fifth in the nation among two-year colleges in skills that garner high wageshttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/spc-alumni-rank-fifth-in-the-nation-among-two-year-colleges-in-skills-that-garner-high-wages/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/spc-alumni-rank-fifth-in-the-nation-among-two-year-colleges-in-skills-that-garner-high-wages/#commentsTue, 02 Jun 2015 17:00:03 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6661]]>St. Petersburg College alumni rank fifth in the nation and first in the state of Florida, among two-year colleges, for possessing the most valuable job skills, according to a recent report released by the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution, an independent, nonprofit think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C.

SPC ranked fifth for two-year colleges in skill sets that garner higher wages, as reported on LinkedIn. The professional social networking site has 99 million user profiles in the United States alone, and is one of many emerging websites that collects data on salary and skills, some with institutional detail for millions of graduates.

The value of alumni skills is reported under occupational earnings power and represents the labor market value of the 25 most common skills listed on the LinkedIn resumes of college graduates. These skills were matched with data, compiled by Burning Glass, on skills and salaries advertised in millions of job vacancies.

For SPC graduates, the value of alumni skills came in at $65,499 compared to a national average of $61,048 (for graduates of two-year colleges), while the SPC graduate median mid-career salary was $54,000 compared to the national average of $52,945 (for graduates of two-year colleges).

“At. St. Petersburg College, we are working very closely with our business partners in the Tampa Bay area to align our programs with workforce needs so our students are prepared to compete for high wage jobs when they graduate,” said St. Petersburg College President Bill Law. “Our number one goal at St. Petersburg College is helping improve our students’ lives, and increasing earning power is a surefire way to do that. This study helps validate those efforts to give our students the skills and tools they need to be successful in today’s job market.”

The Brookings report provides insight into how well colleges prepare students for high-paying careers and is the first to provide “value-added” measures for a broad range of two- and four-year colleges. The new data available helped the report authors develop new ways of measuring the economic value that U.S. colleges provide.

By using non-traditional tools and analyzing data on economic outcomes for graduates, the Brookings report moves beyond other college rankings by focusing on how well colleges contribute to student economic success, rather than simply their ability to attract top students and the preparedness of such students.

“These college-specific data can be used to learn about, evaluate, and improve college performance,” said Brookings Fellow Jonathan Rothwell, co-author of the report. “Colleges serve very diverse populations. The advantage of measuring value-added is that it adjusts a school’s ranking based on the type of college and the characteristics of its student body.”

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/spc-alumni-rank-fifth-in-the-nation-among-two-year-colleges-in-skills-that-garner-high-wages/feed/0newsspcalumni-skillsRetiring workers create public sector job openings in Tampa Bay areahttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/29/retiring-workers-create-public-sector-job-openings-in-tampa-bay-area/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/29/retiring-workers-create-public-sector-job-openings-in-tampa-bay-area/#commentsFri, 29 May 2015 18:50:59 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6657]]>As baby boomers, the largest American generation to date, begin retiring, they are leaving looming gaps in the workforce. The departures have drawn media attention to the growing number of openings in the Tampa Bay area for public servants, specifically in public safety, policy and utilities.

In the City of St. Petersburg, for instance, nearly a quarter of the police force is currently eligible to retire. And when veteran officers leave, they take institutional knowledge with them.

St. Petersburg College is working closely with cities, counties, municipalities and companies to train and expose its students to the diversity of jobs available in the public utilities, public safety and public policy sectors.

SPC Career Exploration Event

Recently, more than 100 people attended SPC’s Public Utilities Career Exploration event at the Seminole Campus, where they learned about current and future career openings, training requirements, salaries and scholarship opportunities.

“The event illustrates a strong partnership between educators and local industries to inform students and the public of career opportunities in our region,” said Jason Krupp, director of Workforce Services for SPC. “It is very rewarding to help connect students with real opportunities in a sector they may not have considered otherwise.”

Job openings in public utilities

One of the most diverse departments in any municipality, public utilities positions range from mechanics and equipment operators to lab techs, biologists and chemists to accountants, marketers and attorneys. In St. Petersburg, Water Resources is the city’s largest operation and provides potable water distribution, wastewater (sewage) collection, treatment and disposal, and reclaimed water for irrigation purposes to city residents.

“Because water is a limited natural resource with increasing demand and regulation, there is a strong future need for skilled workers in public utilities,” Krupp said.

City of Seminole to hire SPC public policy students

Seminole City Manager Frank Edmunds recognized this need and recently announced an agreement with SPC to hire one SPC public policy student or graduate each year for the next 10 years. This agreement is a testament of the high-quality instruction and career preparation provided by SPC faculty and staff.

The trainee will work their way through four departments: administration, public safety, community development and public works, to receive exposure to and specialized experience in the various areas of city government.

Public safety training

Over at SPC’s Allstate Center, students can enter a training academy to become a police or corrections officer or firefighter, move up in their career by earning an academic degree or take mandatory and specialized training available for emergency and first responders, military personnel, public safety, emergency management and judicial professionals and even the general public.

Beginning this fall, SPC will offer “Weekend College” on the Clearwater Campus. The program provides students the chance to earn an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science in Business Administration degree by taking classes entirely on the weekends.

The program can help those whose work or family responsibilities keep them too busy to attend classes during the week.

Info sessions for the new Weekend College program will be held from 10 to 11:30 on May 30 and July 11, on the Clearwater Campus, Room ES 104.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/weekend-college-earn-a-degree-from-spc-entirely-on-the-weekends/feed/1newsspcWE-504Davie Gill named Athletic Directorhttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/davie-gill-named-athletic-director/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/21/davie-gill-named-athletic-director/#commentsThu, 21 May 2015 22:00:59 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6653]]>Student Life and Leadership Coordinator Davie Gill has been named Athletic Director, taking over for Mark Strickland, who was recently named interim provost at the Seminole Campus. As it was with Strickland, the position is in addition to other administrative duties.

Gill began his career at SPC in 2000 as a student services officer at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus. He was named coordinator of what was then called Student Activities (now known as Student Life and Leadership) at the campus in 2008.

R. Gil Kerlikowske, United States Customs and Border Protection Commissioner

United States Customs and Border Protection Commissioner and St. Petersburg College alumnus R. Gil Kerlikowske was the featured speaker at St. Petersburg College’s Public Policy Leadership Speakers Series luncheon on May 21.

About 125 people attended the event, including local law enforcement and politicians, SPC administrators, faculty and staff. The 64 bachelor’s degree students in SPC’s Public Policy Administration program were the focus of the event, asking the commissioner questions about drug policy, human trafficking, border security and more.

Kerlikowske reflected on his four decades of law enforcement and drug policy experience, including teaching as an adjunct professor in Florida, New York and Seattle.

“That ability to give something back and spend time with students is just so critical,” he said. “I think that there was nothing more helpful in my career than to be able to serve as an adjunct and to be able to interact with students — to have that kind of discussion and dialogue. It really keeps you fresh.”

He gave a brief history of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency that was created in 2003 as a result of the Sept. 11 attacks. The new agency combined the efforts of agricultural inspectors; U.S. Border Patrol and Customs; and Immigration and Naturalization Services.

The goal was to have one face at the border. The challenge, he said, was to respond to the wide range of responsibilities — from managing counterfeit honey from China to the rise of Syrian foreign fighters in the U.S.

“The issues in front of Customs and Border Protection is like being in a tennis match – going back and forth from one issue to another on this wide array of responsibilities,” he said.

During his time working as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Kerlikowske said he learned that effective drug policy includes enforcement, quality prevention and treatment.

“I wish as a police chief I had the knowledge of drug treatment holistically from a public health perspective that I did when I took over at ONDCP,” he said. “We actually began to change the debate from ‘this is purely a criminal justice problem to this is a health problem.'”

“For you that are students … the mentorships you have is everything,” he said. “You can be the smartest student in the world. You could do the best whitepaper on the subject. You could do the best PowerPoint, etc. But your ability to work with others and cooperate to figure out how to compromise — to figure out how to work as a team in order to accomplish a mission is the benefit that truly you will get here.”

Kerlikowske’s path to the White House

Kerlikowske earned his associate in arts degree from St. Petersburg Junior College while working for the St. Petersburg Police Department as a street cop. He eventually became head of SPPD’s criminal investigation division while earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from the University of South Florida.

He later graduated from the National Executive Institute at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy in Quantico, Va., and went on to serve as police chief of four cities, and as a member of the United States Justice Department.

In his current role as commissioner, Kerlikowski runs the largest federal law enforcement agency with more than 60,000 employees and a budget of $12.4 billion. Before accepting the commissioner position in March 2014, he had served as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy since 2009.

Public Policy Leadership Speaker Series

The Public Policy Leadership Speaker Series luncheons, organized by SPC Professor Jeff Kronschnabl, gives students the opportunity to engage with highly acclaimed professionals from local, state and federal government in an intimate setting. Previous speakers have included:

Kurt S. Browning, former Florida Secretary of State (March 21, 2012)
Discussed the value of a higher education and the duties of the Secretary of State.

Major General Karl M. Horst, Chief of Staff-U.S. Central Command ( 27, 2012)Discussed his experiences in leadership from his 39 year military career and also discuss his leadership and how it pertains to the USCENTCOM area of Responsibility.

Charlie Crist, former Florida Governor (March 19, 2013)
Discussed policy leadership while serving Florida as an elected official for over 15 years.

Judge Nelly Khouzam and Judge Morris Silberman, Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal (Oct. 16, 2013)
This husband and wife duo discussed “A Nation of Laws: What is the role and responsibility of appellate courts as relates to the rule of Law?”

Bob Lasala, County Administrator for Pinellas County, and Bill Horne, City Manager of Clearwater (April 2, 2014)
Discussed collaborative leadership within local governments.

James Olliver, Seminole Campus Provost, and Frank Edmunds, Seminole City Manager (March 25, 2015)
Discussed their distinguished public service careers and collaboration between the SPC Seminole campus and the City of Seminole.

The City of Seminole and St. Petersburg College signed an agreement today that will place one SPC public policy student or graduate in a one-year paid position with the city each year starting Aug. 1. Each year for 10 years a new student/graduate will be selected for a position with the city.

Recently passed by the Seminole City Council, the new Frank Edmunds Public Service Associate in Training program is named after 20-year Seminole City Manager Frank Edmunds who is retiring in August.

“This is the continuation of a long history of partnership between the City and the College,” said James Olliver, SPC Seminole Campus Provost. “I think it shows that the two of us, together with the Chamber of Commerce and the various civic and social organizations in Seminole, are so much greater than the sum of the parts in service to our community. We challenge other municipalities throughout Pinellas County (and beyond!) to follow this model and help themselves and the college by providing a robust work experience to one of our outstanding graduates.”

The trainee will be assigned by the city manager and will rotate through four departments: administration, public safety, community development and public works, to receive exposure to and specialized expertise in the various areas of city government.

To qualify, the student must be either in their final term in the Public Policy and Administration bachelor’s degree program or a recent graduate (within one year of selection). They must also have been recognized for having achieved public service distinction during their tenure as a student.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/19/spc-and-city-of-seminole-launch-new-training-program/feed/0newsspcFrank Edmunds, Seminole City Manager; Leslie Waters, Seminole Mayor; James Olliver, SPC Seminole Campus Provost.City-of-SeminoleSPC business students place first in international competitionhttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/spc-business-students-place-first-in-international-competition/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/spc-business-students-place-first-in-international-competition/#commentsMon, 18 May 2015 17:23:19 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6594]]>

Victoria Yore and Nicole Calle-Schuler, SPC College of Business students won first place in the Best Strategy Invitational last week.

Victoria Yore and Nicole Calle-Schuler, two St. Petersburg College Business students, won first place in the final leg of The Business Strategy Game, an international competition where students create a company and compete with other colleges and universities in a simulated global marketplace.

Part of the students’ final capstone project at SPC, the online assignment/competition teaches students the business and leadership skills of running a multimillion dollar company, as they work to sell branded and private label athletic footwear.

Two other SPC teams came in second and sixth in the competition. To qualify for the invitational, the three SPC teams had to place first in a first-round simulation. In the final round, 216 teams from around the world competed in 18 different industries.

To win the first place spot, Yore and Calle-Schuler competed against students from California State, University of Texas and other large universities.

“Our capstone projects are another way we are preparing our students for the real world,” said SPC President Bill Law. “The fact that they are competing on an international level against thousands of university students and winning is a testament to both the students and the faculty!”

To date, SPC has had 32 winning teams that went on to compete in the international invitation with the following results:

1st place – seven teams

2nd place – eight teams

3rd place – three teams

Pictured above from left after a recent College of Business Capstone presentation are Robin Wilber, SPC professor; Susanne Whitfield, International Business student; Tom Philippe, SPC professor; Victoria Yore, Business Administration student; Nicole Calle-Schuler, International Business student; Wendy Huehn-Brown and Amy Sauers, SPC professors. Yore and Calle-Schuler went on to place first in the international invitational.

“I think it’s just amazing that 18 out of 32 teams from SPC have placed in the top three in a world business competition,” said Robin Wilber. “I am so proud of our students.”

SPC students’ success earned Wilber and SPC Professor Tom Philippe the designation of Master Professors in the Business Strategy Game Hall of Fame in 2011.

The Florida TRADE Consortium and the Manufacturing Association of Florida (MAF) Center for Excellence have joined to promote opportunities for women in manufacturing.

The Manufacturing Experience: A Woman’s Perspective will be held on June 4, at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. Key female executives and leaders in manufacturing in Florida will take part in a talk-show style discussion moderated by Florida State Rep. Kathleen Peters.

“Women are a dominant force in the U.S. labor market, but not in manufacturing,” said Nancy Stephens, MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence. “As manufacturers do more and more business globally, the industry will continue to grow in Florida and the U.S. This presents a tremendous opportunity for women to engage in this vibrant industry with exceptional career opportunities.”

Part of the “Drive to 1,000,” a Florida TRADE Consortium initiative to place 1,000 Florida TRADE students into manufacturing jobs over the next year, the event is part of the Florida TRADE STEM Manufacturing Forum at the Florida Sterling Council Annual Conference.

The Florida TRADE Consortium, a U.S. Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College & Career Training (TAACCCT) grantee, provides accelerated technical training that provides students with the skills needed to compete for jobs in advanced manufacturing.

“There are many open job opportunities in manufacturing and we hope to make women aware of these opportunities,” said Dr. Gary Graham, Director of Florida TRADE. “We also plan to tape this event and make it available to students, guidance counselors and women across Florida.”

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/women-in-manufacturing-event/feed/0newsspcBrent Weil, Senior Vice President for Education & Workforce at The Manufacturing Institute; Nancy Stephens, MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence; and Dr. Gary Graham, Statewide Director for Florida TRADE.SPC graduates largest group of associate degree earners everhttps://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/16/spc-graduates-largest-group-of-associate-degree-earners-ever/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/16/spc-graduates-largest-group-of-associate-degree-earners-ever/#commentsSat, 16 May 2015 19:36:35 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6587]]>More than 1,200 graduates of St. Petersburg College crossed the stage during the 127th Commencement Ceremony at Tropicana Field on Saturday, May 16.

A total of 2,922 students earned 3,307 degrees from SPC this term, President Bill Law told the crowd of well-wishers. Graduates ranged in age from 16 to 76, with 31 graduates over the age of 60. Thirteen of the graduates received their diplomas on their birthdays. Check out all the graduation stats.

The Class of 2015 also includes the youngest student ever to receive a bachelor’s degree from St. Petersburg College, 18-year-old Richard Ramdohr, of St. Petersburg.

With this graduating class, the college has awarded 147,381 degrees since the college was founded in 1927.

Among other milestones, SPC celebrated the following:

10,000th student to earn an Associate in Science degree in nursing

8,000th baccalaureate graduate

2,000th baccalaureate nursing graduate

1,000th baccalaureate elementary education teacher graduate

The largest group ever of A.A. and A.S. degree students in one term, with 2,286

Before diplomas were handed out, the college’s Apollo and Alumni Achievement award winners addressed fellow students and guests.

Clearwater Campus student Amy Bhatt received the Apollo Award, the highest honor a two-year graduate can achieve. Seminole Campus student James Stanley Lenas was named the Alumni Achievement Award winner, bringing home the highest honor for a four-year SPC graduate.

Bhatt was a member of the Early College Program and graduated with her A.A. degree and a 4.0 GPA.

“In my two years at SPC, I found that this is a great place to learn and develop our ‘academic intelligence.’ But even beyond that, the interaction with faculty and students is phenomenal for developing our ‘practical intelligence’ in dealing with people and working as a team. And I quickly realized that in order to succeed, we need both – academic and practical intelligence. In just two years, I got so much from SPC, that I feel I will never be able to pay it back.”

Bhatt plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies at SPC and would like to attend Stetson University’s College of Law and pursue her ultimate dream of serving on the Supreme Court. Professors at St. Petersburg College inspired students “to succeed every single day,” Bhatt said.

Lenas graduates with a B.S. degree in biology with a 3.65 GPA and is one of six students in the country to be accepted into Bayfront Health’s School of Medical Technology Laboratory Science program. During his time at SPC, Lenas presented research in microbiology at the American Society of Microbiology Summit in 2014 and was named a Biological Research Nominee, an award given to biology program students who complete outstanding research in the field.

“My experience tells me that my education as an SPC student, as well as yours, make us stand out,” Lenas said. “SPC is doing something right because it is producing competitive applicants for a number of careers.”

Also honored at the ceremony was SPC’s 2015 Outstanding Alumnus, St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway. Chief Holloway attended St. Petersburg Junior College in 1996 before transferring to Eckerd College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business management in 1999 and his master’s degree in business administration in 2001.

During his 22-year career with the Clearwater Police Department, Holloway became the city’s first black police captain and eventually its chief in 2010. He was named chief of the St. Petersburg Police Department in 2014.

St. Petersburg College’s Public Policy Administration program is not just about politics. Senior Rafael Murga will graduate this summer with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy but hopes to use the degree to pursue a career in technology.

“My initial reaction is to say that this program changed the entire direction of my life — but the truth of the matter is that it gave me one,” he said. “Professor (Jeffery) Kronschnabl sparked the drive inside of me the first time I set foot in his classroom and made me realize what a true educator is. He has instilled the fact that what I am doing is truly a calling.”

Murga took advantage of the additional coursework made available to the team and earned his Cisco Certification. He was recently offered a summer internship at Tech Data that he hopes will result in a full-time job with their Cisco solutions team.

The boot camp took place at local companies Tech Data and Valpak and was designed as a business integration experience that compliments traditional classroom curriculum. The goal: to close the skills gap and increase interest in the technology industry among non-technology degree seeking students like Murga. View more pictures on Flickr.

He found being immersed in the Tech Data culture for a week with access to high-level executives invaluable.

“It was a great experience,” he said. “But I never would have stood out at Tech Data and the Exploratory Lab Boot Camp if not for being a Public Policy student at SPC.”

When Murga enrolled at SPC as a part-time student in 2012, he was working full time. His work for Best Buy’s Geek Squad, Verizon and Home Shopping Network sparked his interest in technology.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to see firsthand how communication and teamwork have become intertwined with technological leaps forward,” said Murga. “I always tell people that my degree says public policy, but it is really a course of study in leadership and collaboration.”

He was recently honored at the Seminole Campus as an outstanding student in the Public Policy program.

“Rafael is approachable, engaging and professional,” said Professor Kronschnabl. “His leadership traits are best demonstrated by the fact he would be the first to tell you that it wasn’t all about him – it was about how he could help others achieve their maximum potential.”

During his recent capstone project, a semester-long project that pulls together all the student has learned during their time at SPC, he presented a plan to create a framework to bring the Public Policy & Administration program fully online.

“His attention to detail was both concise and profound,” said Kronschnabl. “Rafael was never hesitant about taking on new challenges and often as a result, the resolutions suggested by him were both creative, effective and efficient. He is an engine!”

Like many of the students in SPC’s Public Policy program, Murga is passionate about making a difference in the world.

“Public Policy at St. Petersburg College is unlike any educational program I have ever seen,” said Murga. “The degree is structured so that students can realize that the only thing standing between them and positive change in the world they live in is the drive to go out and do it.”

James Olliver, celebrates in 2012, when President Barack Obama held a rally on Seminole Campus.

With nearly 45 years in higher education, Dr. James Olliver, who served St. Petersburg College from 1989-2015, will retire at the end of this month, setting the standard for excellence, innovation and leadership.

“Jim Olliver has given a lifetime of extraordinary leadership and service to St. Petersburg College and to our students,” said SPC President Bill Law. “Throughout his career he has been on the front end of education innovation focused on support for students and faculty. Even more importantly, Jim has used his considerable talent to forge a unique partnership with the community served most directly by our Seminole Campus, a partnership that is the best in America between a college and its community. He has won civic leadership awards from a grateful community and has been similarly recognized within his professional associations.”

During his first seven years at SPC, Olliver served as Vice President for Institutional and Program Planning. He helped secure an $11 million Project Eagle grant and has been the driving force behind SPC’s eCampus, Florida’s largest online campus.

In 1996, he was named provost of the Seminole Campus. The first classes were offered at Seminole Mall and groundbreaking for the new campus was in 1997. Olliver beamed with pride on Sept. 8, 2012 when more than 11,000 enthusiastic local supporters packed SPC’s Seminole Campus to see President Barack Obama.

Named “Mr. Seminole” by the Seminole Chamber of Commerce in 2008, he is perhaps best known for the partnerships and contributions he has made locally. His hands-on leadership style and drive have touched every part of the thriving Seminole Campus including:

Creation of Career and Entrepreneurship Center

Development of media-rich Digitorium for campus and community events

Development of 40-acre Natural Habitat Park

Expansion of Career Services and Orientation within SPC’s College Experience

Supervised the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions and Village Square

Collaboration with City of Seminole for joint-use Seminole Community Library

Jonathan Jacques, president of Seminole Campus Student Government Association and Eritha Cainion, senior at St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, join Seminole Provost Jim Olliver in cutting the ribbon at the PSTA event Aug. 21, 2014.

In addition to the academics themselves, these programs have generated clubs and important campus activities like the Semmy’s in the Digital Arts program and the annual Business Plan and Elevator Pitch Competition in Entrepreneurship program. In 2013, the Advanced Videography class won an Emmy Award for “Away: A Story of Trash.”

“Dr. Olliver’s strong community-focus and passion for education has dramatically changed education within the Seminole Community,” said Jesse Coraggio, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, Research and Grants at SPC. “With leadership roles in such initiatives as the Seminole Community Educational Ecosystem – a community partnership between the local elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools as well as SPC’s Seminole campus – he has changed lives by providing accesses and opportunity through post-secondary education.”

His legacy of leadership will continue to spark inspiration in students of all ages long after he retires.

“Thanks to everyone at the College for truly making this my dream job,” said Olliver. “It doesn’t get any better than serving your community by providing educational opportunities and seeing students be successful.”

Mark Strickland has been named Interim Provost of the Seminole Campus for the 2015-16 year, starting June 1.

“Dr. Jim Olliver is an extraordinary educator, the likes of which we will be hard-pressed to replace,” said Law. “He has earned our respect and our best wishes as he embarks on the next stage of life. We wish him Godspeed.”

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/seminole-provost-olliver-retires-leaving-legacy-of-leadership/feed/0newsspcJames Olliver, celebrates in 2012, when President Barack Obama held a rally on Seminole Campus.Eritha Cainion, senior at St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, join Seminole Provost Jim Olliver in cutting the ribbon at the PSTA event Thursday.﻿St. Petersburg College marks 127th commencement on May 16https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/%ef%bb%bfst-petersburg-college-marks-127th-commencement-on-may-16-spcgrad/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/13/%ef%bb%bfst-petersburg-college-marks-127th-commencement-on-may-16-spcgrad/#commentsWed, 13 May 2015 17:14:30 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6555]]>St. Petersburg College will celebrate its 127th commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 16 at Tropicana Field, One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg. About 1,200 of the 2,922 Spring 2015 graduates are expected to participate.

The youngest graduate is 16 years old and the oldest is 76 years old. The Class of 2015 also includes the youngest student ever to receive a bachelor’s degree from St. Petersburg College, 18-year-old Richard Ramdohr, of St. Petersburg.

With this graduating class, St. Petersburg College will have awarded 147,381 degrees since the college – Florida’s first community college – was founded in 1927.

Among other milestones, SPC will celebrate the following:

10,000th student to earn an Associate in Science degree in nursing

8,000th baccalaureate graduate

2,000th baccalaureate nursing graduate

1,000th baccalaureate elementary education teacher graduate

The largest group ever of A.A. and A.S. degree students in one term, with 2,286

Amy Bhatt, winner of the 2014-15 Apollo Award, and James Stanley Lenas, recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award, will address their fellow graduates and guests.

“Education is not just the knowledge received in class,” said Bhatt, who has earned an Associate in Art degree. “While I acquired my academic intelligence from my courses, much of the practical intelligence I gained came from extracurricular activities at SPC.”

Lenas, who will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, touted the active learning opportunities provided by professors with real-world experience that shaped his education at SPC.

“I learned about science from SPC professionals who have been in the research and clinical field. I was a part of a group that gave me the chance to practice science outside the classroom in a relaxed, educational environment,” Lenas said. “I am not only proud to be an SPC graduate, but one who represents the school thereafter.”

The cost for parking in Lots 1-7 is approximately $10. Disabled parking will be available in Lots 1, 6 and 7, and a drop-off circle is available by Gate 5 along 16th Street South. Guests can enter through Gates 3, 4 and 5.

Connect with our graduatesUse our social media images to share your well wishes and be sure to use #spcgrad to tweet your congratulations so it shows up on our Social Tagboard and on the Jumbotron at Tropicana Field the day of the big event.

St. Petersburg College is honored to announce St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway as our 2015 Outstanding Alumnus. Holloway will be honored at SPC’s Spring graduation May 16, at 9 a.m. at Tropicana Field.

Chief Holloway attended SPJC in 1996 before transferring to Eckerd College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business management in 1999 and his master’s degree in business administration in 2001.

During his nearly 22-year career with the Clearwater Police Department, Chief Holloway rose through the ranks to become the city’s first black police captain. He began as a patrol officer in 1985 and was named the city’s Outstanding Police Officer for his undercover narcotics work in 1989. During his tenure, he also served as patrol officer, community policing specialist, undercover vice and narcotics detective, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant (Economic Crimes Unit), Support Services assistant division commander, and Patrol Division commander.

Chief Holloway’s impressive service showcases his untiring commitment and steadfast passion to serving the community. These attributes have led to a number of awards: He is a two time recipient of the Clearwater Bar Association’s Allen L. Moore Memorial Gold Badge, and has been named the Joseph F. Cornelius Family Foundation Outstanding Police Officer of the Year (the highest honor given by the Clearwater Police Department), and the Fraternal Order of Police Officer of the Year. Chief Holloway also received the Chief’s Unit Citation.

In 2007, Chief Holloway was selected police chief of Somerville, Massachusetts. In 2010, he returned to Pinellas County after being chosen from a field of more than 200 candidates to succeed retiring Clearwater Police Chief Sid Klein.

His passion and dedication extend beyond the role of police chief. He has taught the precepts of law enforcement to governmental, educational, and community organizations throughout Florida, sharing his primary philosophy of the “three E’s” – evaluate problems in the community, educate residents about services and public safety issues, and enforce laws.

Chief Holloway was appointed to the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar in June 2012 and has served as consultant/trainer to the Department of Juvenile Justice, the U.S. Department of Justice, and St. Petersburg College. In June 2011, he received a certificate of completion for the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government and Executive Education.

In 2014, Chief Holloway was named chief of the St. Petersburg Police Department, where he continues his mission as a powerful and dedicated servant of the public, committed to protecting our community and kick-starting programs that address the social ills that lead to crime.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/07/spc-honors-st-petersburg-police-chief-anthony-holloway-as-2015-outstanding-alumnus/feed/0newsspcAnthony HollowayApollo, Alumni Achievement award winners for 2014-15https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/07/apollo-alumni-achievement-award-finalists-for-2014-15/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/07/apollo-alumni-achievement-award-finalists-for-2014-15/#commentsThu, 07 May 2015 19:09:49 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6497]]>St. Petersburg College will honor its top graduates and alumnus during commencement ceremonies May 16 at Tropicana Field.

This year, for the first time, award winners were notified before the ceremony.

Amy Bhatt was selected as the Apollo Award winner, the highest honor an associate degree graduate can achieve.

The Apollo Award is presented annually by the SPC Alumni Association. Winners are chosen for their outstanding leadership abilities, scholastic standing, community service, honors and awards. It has been presented each year since 1966.

This year’s finalists are:

“Education is not just the knowledge received in class. While I acquired my academic intelligence from my courses, much of the practical intelligence I gained came from extracurricular activities at SPC.” Amy Bhatt

Amy Bhatt, Clearwater Campus, Winner

Ms. Bhatt is a 2015 A.A. degree graduate and a member of the Early College Program. She served as co-president of
the Honors College and co-chairwoman of the Pre-Law Committee for the Legal Studies Society. She was named to the All Florida Academic Team. She was the editor of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Newsletter, which acts as a community resource for attorneys and paralegals. Ms. Bhatt has a 4.0 G.P.A.

During her first year at SPC, she received the “Student of the Year” award in Honors Interdisciplinary
Studies, one of the youngest students at SPC to receive the award. In 2015 she was chosen as a recipient of the
Presidential Scholarship Award, which recognizes high school students who have attained academic excellence.

Dr. Richard Mercadante, Faculty Senate President, said: “Amy Bhatt is one of those rare students who excels
in multiple areas: academics, service, and leadership. She has earned the respect of faculty and her student peers
for her ability to serve as a positive role model regardless of the challenges she encounters. When I grow up I want
to be just like Amy!”

Ms. Bhatt’s goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies at SPC. She would then like to attend Stetson University’s College of Law and pursue her ultimate dream of serving on the Supreme Court.

“I have felt tremendously encouraged and welcomed by St. Petersburg College, especially by the Seminole Campus. Through its resources, my college has taught me that I should not be afraid of my future, but instead step into it with confidence and fervent dedication.” Samantha Sue-Ellen Engelhardt

Samantha Sue-Ellen Engelhardt, Seminole Campus

Ms. Engelhardt is a 2015 A.A. degree graduate. She was a member of the Early College Program, the Intervarsity Christian Club, the SPC Community Band, and the Math Club. She has a 4.0 G.P.A.

She has been a math tutor in the Seminole Learning Commons and volunteered as treasurer of the Early College program. She also has volunteered at the Vineyard Inn, an assisted living facility, and at Horses for Handicapped.

She was a finalist for the All Florida Academic Team in 2015, is a Take Stock in Children Scholarship recipient,
and received the Early College Excellence Award for her outstanding academic success and leadership qualities.

Mathematics Instructor Jeff Taylor said: “She displays a level of intelligence and responsibility well beyond her years. The only thing more impressive than her intellect and kindness is her humility.”

Ms. Engelhardt will pursue a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of South Florida with
the goal of eventually becoming a certified civil engineer.

“St. Petersburg College provides a learning environment for a melting pot of all different types of people. There are high school students trying to better themselves for higher education, retired veterans who want to go back to school, adults who would like to earn a higher degree to obtain a better job to provide for themselves or their families. I believe SPC has not only offered me a better education, but also a better future.” – Anita Thuy An Nguyen

Anita Thuy An Nguyen, Seminole Campus

Ms. Nguyen is a 2015 A.A. degree graduate. She participated in Phi Theta Kappa, Seminole Campus Soccer, the Great Eco Race, and volunteered in the Student Support Center to help plan events and activities. She has a 4.0 G.P.A.

She served as secretary of the Early College Program, and helped coordinate Spirit Week and the Halloween Costume event. She served as a volunteer math tutor in the Learning Commons on the Seminole Campus, giving over 15 hours a week to help struggling students. She also participated in the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital 5k run, the SPCA Toys for Toto drive, and Phi Theta Kappa monthly road cleanups.

Ms. Nguyen received the 2015 Early College Academic Excellence Award, and was a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship awarded to students who excel academically and maintain that excellence throughout high school.

Associate Professor Pelagia Mazarakis said: “She is an exceptional student, both academically and personally… respected and admired by her teachers and her peers.”

Her goal is to attend Nova Southeastern University’s College of Optometry with the ultimate career goal of becoming a practicing optometrist.

“Most memorably, SPC gave me the opportunity to realize my leadership potential by leading community service initiatives that benefited children and motivated my peers to go above and beyond.” Bernadette Praxides Mead

Ms. Praxides Mead is a 2015 A.A. degree graduate. She was a member of the Student Government Association. She has served as a First Aid Responder for the Student Athletic Training Program at Boca Ciega High School. She has a 3.9 G.P.A.

She served as vice president of the National Honor Society, where she coordinated holiday gift drives, beach cleanups and social events. She was a member of the Interact Club and coordinated the Red Hand Day Commemoration Event, a worldwide initiative to stop the use of child soldiers. She also served as a volunteer
for All Children’s Hospital.

She received numerous awards, including: the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence from her high school, an Excellent Service Award from Junior Achievement, and the National Honor Society’s Community Service and Recognition for Outstanding Leadership award.

Leadership/Resource Instructor Sally Hoogewerf said Ms. Praxides Mead “represents everything admirable about SPC. Her contributions to class discussions were thought provoking, and she acts with joy in her heart
and a smile on her face.”

Her goal is to attend Georgetown University and become involved in international and development economics and then embark on her dream of helping the people of the Philippines escape extreme poverty.

Alumni Achievement Award Finalists

Four outstanding St. Petersburg College students have been selected as finalists for the annual Alumni Achievement Award, the highest honor a bachelor’s graduate can achieve.

The Alumni Achievement Award is presented annually by the SPC Alumni Association. Winners are chosen for their outstanding leadership abilities, scholastic standing, community service, honors and awards.

This year’s finalists are:

“I learned about science from SPC professionals who have been in the research/clinical field. I was a part of a group that gave me the chance to practice science outside the classroom in a relaxed, educational environment. I am not only proud to be a SPC graduate, but one who represents the school thereafter.” James Stanley Lenas

James Stanley Lenas, Seminole Campus, Winner

Mr. Lenas will receive a B.S. degree in biology. He has a 3.65 G.P.A.

He was a member of the Tau Delta Tau chapter of the National Science Honor Society, a senator in the Student Government Association and is a member of Golden Key.

He presented research in microbiology at the American Society of Microbiology Summit in 2014. He served as a microbiology tutor at the Health Education Center, where he also helped run workshops teaching students various lab techniques that applied to their curriculum. He served as the lead microbiology assistant for more than 120 students on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

He has participated in the Great American Teach-In and served as a judge for the 2015 Pinellas County Regional Science Fair. He was the recipient of an SPC Foundation grant and was named a Biological Research Nominee, an award given to biology program students who complete outstanding research in the field.

Dr. Katherine Siegler said: “Jimmy was one of two students whose research we supported with a stipend funded by the SPC Foundation. He is one of the few undergraduate students I have known that possesses the ability to pose independently, thought-out hypotheses.”

Mr. Lenas’ goal is to work as a medical technologist in the Tampa Bay area.

“I believe I am leaving SPC with a legacy for other students to follow. A legacy that shows them that hard work and integrity can give you a better life.” Robert Hurley

Robert Hurley, Clearwater Campus

Mr. Hurley will receive a B.A.S. degree in paralegal studies. He has a 3.69 G.P.A.

He is founder and president of the Legal Studies Society, president of the Titan Blue Club, a senator in Student
Government, treasurer of the MAX program, and has spearheaded scholarship workshops for SPC students.

He has volunteered for the Salvation Army, participated in the Student Veterans Club Trash Cleanup and in the annual Turkey Trot for Student Government. He helped advertise and collect Thanksgiving food contributions with the MAX club, participated in the Christmas toy hand-out through Student Government, and volunteered for Habitat for Humanity through Phi Theta Kappa.

Mr. Hurley received the Lynch-Reed-Wakefield Scholarship, and was a student speaker at the annual SPC Foundation employee giving event.

Student Life and Leadership Coordinator Stephanie Henningsen said: “He has worked tirelessly through the
Student Government Association and helped make students aware of opportunities.”

Mr. Hurley’s goal is to earn an M.B.A. from the University of Florida and return to St. Petersburg College as a professor.

“SPC has given me opportunities I have embraced and used to allow myself to grow as a professional.” Zayda Jania

Zayda Janiak, Clearwater Campus

Ms. Janiak will receive a B.S. degree in elementary education. She has a 3.75 G.P.A.

She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi and is an active blogger for SPC Learning Resources. She was a member of the
Early College Program, completed ethics training in the College of Education and has attended NASA Professional Development Education Workshops.

She volunteered as a student assistant at the Clearwater Campus Library and served as an intern at M.K. Rawlings Elementary School. She has completed more than 120 field-based hours as a student teacher in language arts, mathematics, and science.

She was the winner of several scholarships, including the prestigious Presidential Scholarship, which is awarded
for outstanding academic excellence. She is a member of Golden Key.

Adjunct Professor Cynthia Freed said: “Over the past seven years I have come into contact with hundreds of students. Few stand out as much as Zayda. She understands the meaning of diligence.”

Her goal is to earn a Ph.D. in education and teach at the college level.

“I and my family are staunch believers in the educational programs at SPC After taking the time to have a family, I decided at the age of 38 to go to college and now I am graduating with honors.” Angela Sue O’Connor

Angela Sue O’Connor, Tarpon Springs Campus

Ms. O’Connor will receive a B.S. degree in elementary education. She has a 3.77 G.P.A.

She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the Pinellas Reading Council, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

She participated in a teaching trip to Jamaica, where she served as lead teacher of third- and fourth-graders. She was a Girl Scout Leader for 15 years, leading her troop to a Bronze Award and a Gold Award, the Girl Scouts’ highest honor.

She has volunteered at the Safety Harbor Library and participated in the Christmas Toy Drive in St. Petersburg.
Dr. Cher N. Gauweiler said: “Angela is among the highest achieving students in the College of Education.

She exudes a positive, friendly spirit and has the ability to make others feel at ease. The glowing feedback I
receive is indicative of her teaching ability.”

Her goal is to earn a master’s degree in education and become a full-time teacher.

]]>https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/07/apollo-alumni-achievement-award-finalists-for-2014-15/feed/0newsspc“Education is not just the knowledge received in class. While I acquired my academic intelligence from my courses, much of the practical intelligence I gained came from extracurricular activities at SPC”. “I have felt tremendously encouraged and welcomed by St. Petersburg College, especially by the Seminole Campus. Through its resources, my college has taught me that I should not be afraid of my future, but instead step into it with confidence and fervent dedication.“Most memorably, SPC gave me the opportunity to realize my leadership potential by leading community service initiatives that benefited children and motivated my peers to go above and beyond.” Bernadette Praxides Mead“I learned about science from SPC professionals who have been in the research/clinical field.“I believe I am leaving SPC with a legacy for other students to follow. A legacy that shows them that hard work and integrity can give you a better life.” Robert Hurley“SPC has given me opportunities I have embraced and used to allow myself to grow as a professional.” Zayda Jania“I and my family are staunch believers in the educational programs at SPC After taking the time to have a family, I decided at the age of 38 to go to college and now I am graduating with honors.” Angela Sue O’ConnorSt. Petersburg College, Valencia College and Broward College to present Meta Majors Summit on June 5https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/05/st-petersburg-college-valencia-college-and-broward-college-to-present-meta-majors-summit-on-june-5/
https://newsspc.wordpress.com/2015/05/05/st-petersburg-college-valencia-college-and-broward-college-to-present-meta-majors-summit-on-june-5/#commentsTue, 05 May 2015 21:22:30 +0000http://newsspc.wordpress.com/?p=6491]]>St. Petersburg College will host a Meta Majors Summit on June 5 to bring together community college leaders from across the state to collaborate on processes and systems to implement meta majors and academic and career pathways. The summit, which is closed to the public but open to the media, is being hosted in conjunction with officials from Valencia College and Broward College, each of whom will be sharing how their institution is working with the pathways concept to improve student success.

The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 5 at the Collaborative Labs at St. Petersburg College, SPC EpiCenter, 13805 58th St. N., Clearwater, and will feature panel discussions and break-out sessions.

The summit is funded by Student Success Statewide Impact funds through the Completion by Design grant provided to the Florida College System Foundation by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The convening will allow attendees from across the state to collaborate on best practices and innovative ways to use the concept as they discuss and analyze tangible and replicable ways of creating academic pathways, and cultivate relationships with other colleges.

“Meta majors and clear academic pathways take the guesswork out of degree requirements and course sequencing for our students. By offering our students clear-cut steps they can follow in their pursuit to degree completion, we’re removing roadblocks that have long challenged them,” said St. Petersburg College President Bill Law. “This is going to revolutionize the way students plan their course progression, giving them a much better chance at success.”

Davis Jenkins

Nationally renowned educational expert Dr. Davis Jenkins will be the keynote speaker at the summit. Jenkins is a senior research associate at the Community College Research Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College and an Achieving the Dream Coach. Jenkins’ research and thinking have informed the development and spread of innovative approaches to improving student outcomes, including career pathways, contextualized adult technical bridge programs (such as Washington State’s I-BEST), and guided pathways to success (GPS). Jenkins is co-author with Thomas Bailey and Shanna Jaggars of Redesigning America’s Community Colleges: A Clearer Path to Student Success (Harvard University Press, 2015).

“Most students arrive at community college without clear goals for college and careers. Yet, most colleges do little to help them explore their options, choose a program of study, and develop a plan for completing it,” Jenkins said. “This meeting will bring together St. Petersburg College and other Florida state colleges that are at the forefront nationally of finding cost-effective ways to help students choose and enter academic programs quickly so that more are able to graduate faster and at a lower cost.”